'No shame': AFL world erupts over 'inappropriate' mid-game stunt
A bizarre mid-match interview with Brisbane Lions star Luke Hodge has been heavily criticised by AFL fans.
Hodge was on the sideline receiving some treatment for a calf cramp on Thursday night when he was asked for an interview with Channel 7’s Abbey Holmes.
Hodge was in clear pain as he was lying face-down on the ground, visibly pausing to wince and spit water out of his mouth before answering the first question.
To Hodge’s credit he continued on with the interview after the treatment, answering all of Holmes’ questions without objection.
Watch it here:
"30 points, in today's footy that's nothing."
Hodge is confident the @brisbanelions can comeback. #AFLLionsPies pic.twitter.com/RznD4bLY3Y
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 18, 2019
‘Out of control’
But the bizarre moment was shredded by a number of high-profile viewers.
Ron Reed, a former sports writer for the Herald Sun, said the interview was a step too far as broadcasters strive to give fans more access to players than ever before.
“Ch 7 demand for access out of control when they’re stick a mic in Hodge’s face while he’s being treated at the bench. And for what result?” Reed tweeted.
Ch 7 demand for access out of control when they’re sticking a mic in hodge’s face while he’s being treated at the bench. And for what result? #AFLLionsPies
— ron reed (@reedrw) April 18, 2019
Fellow journalist and ABC Offsiders panellist Richard Hinds labelled the move “total rubbish.”
“Players being interviewed while they are playing games is total rubbish. “Access” gone mad. Save it for the novelty events,” Hinds tweeted.
Players being interviewed while they are playing games is total rubbish. “Access” gone mad. Save it for the novelty events.#AFLLionsPies
— Richard Hinds (@rdhinds) April 18, 2019
The Hodge interview continues the trend of giving fans more insight into the players, with the ‘Roaming Brian’ segment taking viewers into the changerooms after immediately after games.
But many were left unimpressed about how things developed on Thursday night, with social media users labelling the Hodge interview ‘inappropriate’ and ‘disrespectful’.
Cringeworthy
— frank (@malvaso1) April 18, 2019
@afl @Ch7FootballTeam @7AFL all for players being interviewed on the bench, but when Luke Hodge is on the ground having his cramped hamstrings worked on he doesn’t need a microphone jammed in his face. thats actually very poor. time and place people. time and place. #horrible
— Mark Linnett (@thefunkafunk) April 18, 2019
There’s insight into the game, and then there’s being utterly ridiculous. This is the latter. Shouldn’t be interviewing players while the game is going on!
— Brodee Kitchin-Fitz (@BrodeeKitchFitz) April 18, 2019
this is disgraceful. mouth full of water. in obvious distress due to physical treatment. leave the player alone. no shame. no inderstanding. no respect. horrible broadcasting.
— Mark Linnett (@thefunkafunk) April 18, 2019
Most ridiculous commentary moment of 2019 so far 🤪
— Chris (@Fisto67) April 18, 2019
The access Channel 7 has to players in game has gone to far. Abbey Holmes interviewing Luke Hodge on the interchange was ridiculous. #AFLLionsPies
— Ben Williams (@BAWilliams85) April 18, 2019
This interview should never have taken place. Very inappropriate to interview a player during medical treatment, in the middle of a game. It is really disrespectful to the player and his team. I can't believe you'd be so proud of it, you'd actually tweet the video.
— Loretta A (@lorettaoz) April 18, 2019
Get. Out. Of. His. Face.
— Mike Daly (@Michael46249613) April 18, 2019
Eh, not a fan of the mid game interview. Let the players play. Too many gimmicks in the game – too distracting for players and fans.
— Joe (@joecast73) April 18, 2019
Pies too hot for Lions
On the field, Brisbane’s bubble burst in a 62-point hiding as Collingwood put on a clinic in the Gabba’s first AFL sell-out since 2010.
The 18.15 (123) to 8.13 (61) defeat was a reality check for the Lions, who were a step off the pace against a Magpies unit that looks to have found their rhythm after a patchy opening month.
The city’s biggest AFL game in nearly a decade didn’t start as planned for the hosts, with Collingwood’s 47 points their best first term against the Lions.
It only got worse for Chris Fagan’s men as the visitor’s 51-point third term became the highest-scoring in history at the ground.
with AAP
